Laura Hershorin '82

Laura Hershorin ’82
Lead Physician
Teladoc Health

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your experience at work? At home?

Work has been intense and very busy. As the pandemic blew up, our volume sky rocketed, yet we needed to take much more time with each telemedicine visit. People were scared. Predictably, this combination created a huge wait for each consult, and the entire system was taxed. Therefore, in addition to clinical practice, the leadership was meeting daily to meet the challenges.

In addition to logistics and support, we were challenged clinically, significantly adding to the experience. Diagnosing and treating over the phone, with only a minimal physical exam, is possible because approximately 80% of diagnoses can be made by careful listening. However, COVID-19 is brand new, and we had very little idea of how to recognize it. Without available testing, we likened our job to flying a plane while simultaneously building. Yet, it is our job to appropriately assess patients, keep people home if at all possible, and be sure only those who genuinely need hospital evaluation present to one.

It is a privilege to do the work, but also daunting with the opportunity to impact a nation in a dramatic and essential way. Exciting and exhausting."

How did your WFS education prepare you for your work at the moment?

Daniel L. Johnson, “DJ”, my biology teacher at WFS was my mentor and inspiration. He taught me to love science, to wonder with awe at our natural world, how to think, and to believe in myself. I am, and will always be grateful for him.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the WFS Community?

THANK YOU!